Extrusion machine for pretzels and the like

ABSTRACT

A machine for extruding dough including an extrusion head having a specifically configured outlet die, a cut-off mechanism mounted for back and forth movement across the die to sever extruded material into shorter lengths or slices, cleaning means for the cut-off mechanism, and a removal conveyor for receiving and removing the severed pieces.

[4 1 Jan. 1,1974

[ EXTRUSION MACHINE FOR PRETZELS AND THE LIKE [75] Inventor: Edwin I.Groff, West Reading, Pa.

[73] Assignee: Reading Pretzel Machinery Co.,

West Reading, Pa.

[22] Filed: Dec. 30, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 213,872

[52] 11.5. Cl. 425/232, 425/311 [51] Int. Cl A23g 5/02 [58] Field ofSearch 425/225, 226, 232,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,263,929 4/1918 Rios425/226 1,578,905 3/1926 Moores.. 2,660,131 11/1953 Elliot 1,831,82611/1931 Sen-gent 1,916,596 7/1933 Winfree, 1r. 83/168 3,132,608 5/1964Leuze 425/311 2,188,799 1/1940 Von Haase 425/313 2,090,095 8/1937Bainbridge.... 425/311 3,415,206 12/1968 Reisman 425/311 2,838,0126/1958 Weidenmiller et a1. 425/311 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS712,402 7/1954 Great Britain 425/31 1 Primary Examiner-J. SpencerOverholser Assistant Examiner-David S. Safran Attorney-Robert K. Youtie5 7 ABSTRACT A machine for extruding dough including an extrusion headhaving a specifically configured outlet die, a cutoff mechanism mountedfor back and forth movement across the die to sever extruded materialinto shorter lengths or slices, cleaning means for the cut-offmechanism, and a removal conveyor for receiving and removing the severedpieces.

8 Claims, 28 Drawing Figures IIIIIIII u PATENTED JAN 1 14 sum 07 M10;

4 rramzx EXTRUSION MACHINE FOR PRETZELS AND THE LIKE BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION While there have, in the past, been proposed extrusionmachines for extruding dough and similar food products, includingpretzels, and the like, these machines have been less than satisfactory.For example, prior extrusion machines of this type have had particularproblems in the severance or cutting off of the extruded material intoshort lengths or slices, particularly by the nature of the materialbeing severed, so that frequent shut down was required to clean andreadjust the equipment. Prior extrusion devices for pretzels and thelike also suffered other disadvantages, such as rapid wearing of theparts, requiring frequent and expensive down time and replacement. Also,prior machines of this general type were relatively slow so that production rates suffered and resulted in increased costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an important object of thepresent invention to provide an extrusion machine, including cut-offmechanism therefor which overcomes the above-mentioned difficulties, iscapable of long continued usage without appreciable adverse effects fromthe difficult material being worked, wherein accuracy is maintained forlong continuous periods of use without the need for adjustment, andwherein adjustment is not required to a high degree of precision, sothat adjustment may be made quickly and easily by relatively unskilledpersonnel.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an extrusionmachine of the type described which maintains its sanitary operatingconditions over extremely long operating periods, and may be quickly andcleaned, which cleanings are required only at infrequent intervals.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anextrusion machine having the advantageous characteristics mentioned inthe preceding paragraphs, which is of high production capacity, beingdurable and reliable throughout long periods of continuous use, andthroughout a long useful life, so as to effectively reduce productioncosts.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon readingthe following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings,which form a material part of this disclosure.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction,combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts, which will beexemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which thescope will be indicated by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational viewshowing an extrusion machine for pretzels, and the like, constructed inaccordance with the teachings of the instant invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial top plan view taken generally along the line 2-2 ofFIG. 1, with parts broken away for clarity of understanding.

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional elevational view taken generally along theline 3-3 of FIG. 1, also broken away for clarity and conservation ofdrawing space.

FIG. 4 is a partial side elevational view taken generally along the line4-4 of FIG. 3, enlarged for clarity.

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional elevational view taken generally along theline 5-5 of FIG. 3, showing certain parts in phantom.

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional elevational view taken generally along theline 6-6 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional elevational view taken generally along theline 77 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional elevational view similar to FIG. 7,but showing a slightly later stage in operation of the machine.

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional elevational view similar to FIG. 8, butshowing a slightly later stage in machine operation.

FIG. 10 is a partial sectional elevational view similar to FIGS. 8 and9, but showing a later operative position of the apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view taken generally along the line 11llof FIG. 4, being broken away to save drawing space.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 12-12 of FIG.11.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary sectional elevational view taken generallyalong the line l3-of FIG. 3, enlarged for clarity and illustrating inphantom successive positions of dough movement.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 14-14 of FIG.13.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 15-15 of FIG.13.

FIG. 16 is a partial sectional elevational view taken generally alongthe line 1616 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 17 is a partial sectional view taken generally along the line I7l7of FIG. 16, partially broken away.

FIG. 18 is a partial sectional elevational view taken generally alongthe line 1818 of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional elevational viewillustrating in greater detail the area 19 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a partial view taken generally in the direction of line 20-20of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a partial sectional view taken generally along the line 21-21of FIG. 18, illustrating the dough shearing operation.

FIG; 22 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 21, but showing the bladeout of dough shearing relation, and illustrating operation of the bladecleaning means.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged sectional view taken generally along the line23-23 of FIG. 18, illustrating certain structural details.

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary view taken generally in the direction of line2424 of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 4, but showing aslightly modified embodiment constructed in accordance with theteachings of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 26-26 of FIG.25.

FIG. 27 is a partial sectional view taken generally along the line 27-27of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 2828 of FIG.26.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now more particularlyto the drawings, and specifically to FIG. 1 thereof an extrusion machineof the present invention is there generally designated 20, and includesan extruder 21, a cut-off mechanism 22, and a conveyor 23.

The extruder 21 may be mounted on an upstanding frame or stand 25,including a fluent material feeding device 26, such as feed screws orother suitable feeding means, which may be powered by one or more motors24. It has been found advantageous to employ individual electric motors24 for powering each feed screw, thereby permitting enhanced versatilityand accuracy in operation. A material hopper 28 upstands from thefeeding means 26, through which dough or similar material may beintroduced to the feeding means.

On the forward or discharge end of the material feeding means 26, thereis provided an extrusion head 27, which is formed with an outlet 28facing obliquely downwardly and forwardly to the right as seen inFIG. 1. An extrusion die 29 is disposed in covering relation withrespect to the extrusion head outlet 28, lying in a generally obliqueplane, approximately 45 degrees to the horizontal. The extrusion die 29is formed with specifically configured through openings or slots, forpassing lengths of extruded material or dough having a cross-sectionalconfiguration conforming to the configuration of the die opening.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the extrusion head 27 may be of considerablelateral extent, its outlet being of similar lateral extent, and theextrusion die 29 also of laterally elongate configuration in itscovering relation with the outlet of the extrusion head. If desired, theextrusion die 29 may be of sectional construction, a plurality of diesections being secured in end-to-end relation, as by fasteners 30 acrossthe extrusion head outlet. lt will also there be apparent that theextrusion die 29 may be formed with a plurality of separate,side-by-side through openings or slots 31, each of a specific desiredconfiguration, being shown in the illustrated embodiment as ofconvention pretzel shape. The die openings or slots 31 are located inrelation to the screws of feeding means 26 and their drive motors 24.

As appears in FIGS. 13, 14 and the extrusion die 29 includes an outerplate 35 disposed in covering relation with respect to the extrusionhead opening 28, having its outer side or face 36 substantially flat andfacing obliquely downwardly and forwardly. The inner surface 37 of theouter die plate 35 is secured in sealed relation with respect to theoutlet 28 of the extrusion head 27, as by a sealing gasket 38, or othersuitable sealing means. Further, the inner surface of the outer dieplate 35 is recessed, as at 40 facing inwardly toward the interior ofthe extrusion head. Secured in the recess 40 of the outer die plate 35in an inner die plate 41. That is, the inner die plate 41 is secured inthe recess 40 in facing engagement with the outer die plate; andfurther, the inner die plate 41 is formed with a series or row ofadjacent, spaced through apertures 42 disposed in an array forconforming alignment with the specifically configured die opening orslot 31. As seen in the exterior view of FIG. 14, the series of throughinner plate openings 42 are visible through the outer plate opening orslot 31; and also, as seen from the interior of the extrusion head 27 inFIG. 15, the outer die plate opening or slot 31 is visible at spacedintervals through the several inner plate openings or holes 42.

Of importance in the extrusion procedure, is the cross-sectionalconfiguration of the outer plate opening or slot 31, see FIG. 13,wherein it will be observed that the slot or opening 31 is outwardlyconvergent or tapering. By this gradually reducing configuration, themate rial or dough 45 is extruded in a uniform manner, having asubstantially constant density and free from interruptions and voids.

In the extrusion of a conventional pretzel shaped cross section, asshown in the illustrated embodiment, the outer die plate opening or slot31 is necessarily continuous, so that the die plate parts, as at 46, arenecessarily separate from the remainder of the outer die plate 35. Suchseparate outer die plate parts 46 may be effectively retained in theirproper coplanar relation by securement to the inner die plate 41, sayutilizing fasteners 47 and locator pins 48.

The conveyor mechanism 23 may be of any suitable construction, and asillustrated, includes an endless conveyor belt 50 trained about apowered pulley 51 located on the stand25 beneath the extruder 21, and anidler pulley 52 located at some distance forward or downstream from theextruder. Suitable drive means, such as an electric motor 53 may beconnected in driving relation with the pulley 51, as by a belt 54 orother transmission means.

The endless conveyor member or belt 50 includes an upper run 55 passingbeneath the extruder head 27 and extrusion die 28 and thence proceedingover the idler roll 52 for return along a lower stretch or run 56 to thepowered roll 51. Suitable support means, such as a frame or bed 57 mayextend from the stand 25 beneath the extruder head 27 for supporting theupper conveyor run 55. The conveyor bed or guide 57 may have itsdownstream end supported by an upstanding leg 58, which may also supportthe idler roll 52, as by a bracket 59. The disposition of the upperconveyor run 55 may be generally horizontal, and slightly inclinedtoward the downstream end, as illustrated.

The cut-off mechanism 22 includes a fixed supporting structure 65mounted on a stand or support 66 extending downstream from the stand 25and laterally beneath the upper run 55 of the conveyor 50. The fixedstructure 65 includes a pair of pedestals or standards 67, eachupstanding from the nether frame 66 on opposite sides, respectively, ofthe upper conveyor run 55. A bridging member or beam 68 of the fixedstructure 65 extends between the standards 67 across and spaced over theupper conveyor run 55. Adjacent to each end of the beam 68, there aremounted thereon, as by brackets 69, a pair of journal bearings or pillowblocks 70. The pillow blocks 70 of each pair are in alignment with eachother laterally of the conveyor 50, and are preferably in alignment withthe pillow blocks of the other pair.

A pair of laterally spaced arms 71, being respectively located onopposite sides of the conveyor 50, are each located with its upper endrotatably supported or journaled between an adjacent pair of pillowblocks 70. Thus, the arms 71 are swingable about the aligned axes of thepillow blocks 70, and extend therefrom generally downwardly andrearwardly, or upstream of the conveyor 23, toward the extrusion head27.

On the inner side of each arm 71 is fixedly secured a slideway or guide75, say in the form of a rod extending longitudinally of the respectivearm on the laterally inner side thereof and fixedly mounted in inwardlyspaced relation thereto, as by mounting clamps 76 fixed to therespective arm. Thus, the rods 75 on the respective arm 71 affordguideways, as will presently ap pear more fully.

Extending laterally across and spaced over the conveyor 23, betweenguideways 75 of respective arms 71, is a carrier structure, generallydesignated 78, which is slidably mounted on the ways 75 for slidingmovement therealong between the arms 71. The carrier structure 78includes a pair of end plates 79 each extending along and on thelaterally inner side of a respective guide rod 75, and provided with apair of spaced out standing lugs or ears slidably receiving the adjacentguide rod. Thus, the plates 79 are each slidable along the adjacentguide rods 75. The laterally spaced pair of plates 79 are rigidlyconnected together in parallel spaced facing relationship by a pair oflaterally extending, generally parallel elongate members or rods 81.Thus, the elongate connecting members 01 extend across and spacedly overthe conveyor 23, relatively rigidly tying together the arms 71 forsimultaneous swinging movement. The connecting members 91 are shiftablewith the arms 71 upon swinging movement of the latter about the alignedaxes, and are further shiftable generally longitudinally of the armsalong the ways 75. The connecting members 81 may be fixed at theiropposite ends to the plates 79 by any suitable means, such as clampingnuts, or otherwise as desired.

Formed in a lower, rearward or upstream region of each plate 79 is aboss 85, having a central through bore 86, best seen in FIG. 11. Fixedto one boss 05, say the boss of left hand plate 79 as seen in FIG. 11,is an anchor member 87, as by fasteners 88 or other suitable securementmeans. The anchor member 87 is located on the laterally inner side ofplate 79, and includes a projection 89 extending toward and terminatingshort of the opposite or distal boss 85. The projection 89 may beprovided with a retaining pin 90 fixed to the projection and protrudingin an oblique laterally outwardly direction.

The boss 85 of the right hand plate '79, as seen in FIG. 11, is providedwith an internal bushing 91 secured within the bore 86 of the boss byfasteners 92 or other suitable means. A shaft 93 is slidable in thebushing 91, being constrained to longitudinal sliding movement andrestrained against rotation by a key 94 interfitting between the shaftand bushing, or by other suitable restraining means. The shaft 93extends laterally outwardly, where it is formed with screw threads 95and provided with an internally threaded knob 96 circumposed about andin threaded engagement with the shaft. The laterally inner end of theshaft 93 is provided with a projection 97 in alignment with theprojection 89, and carrying a holding pin 90 protruding obliquelylaterally outwardly. Circumposed about the shaft 93, intermediate theknurled knob 96 and fixed bushing 91 is a coil compression spring 99 anda pair of bearing washers 100 at opposite ends of the spring.

It will thus be apparent that the spring 99 serves to resiliently urgethe shaft 93 laterally outward or rightward as seen in FIG. 1 1. Also,the resilient urging force of spring 99 may be determined by theposition of knob 96 on shaft 93, as deflected by rotation of the knob.In order to limit laterally outward movement of shaft 93, there may beprovided suitable stop means, such as a headed member 101 fixed to theshaft laterally inwardly of the plate 79, for limiting abuttingengagement with the fixed bushing 91.

A cutting member 105, say in the form of an elongate strip or blade, mayextend between the projections 89 and 97, having its opposite endportions hooked over respective pins and 98. Thus, the cutting member orblade 105 is effectively maintained at a desired degree of tautness byadjustment of knob 96, causing the spring 99 to apply a desired degreeof tightening force to the blade. It will, of course, be appreciatedthat the blade 105 extends longitudinally of carrier means 78 and rods81, and is located adjacent to the extrusion die 29 for movementrelative thereto in a manner to be described more fully hereinafter.

At spaced locations along the elongate connecting members 81, there maybe provided one or more blade supporting and cleaning assemblies, eachgenerally designated 60 and best seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 17. The bladesupporting and cleaning assemblies 60 may be two in number, located inspaced relation along the laterally extending rods 81 of carrierstructure 78. Each blade supporting and cleaning assembly 60 may includea slide or trolley 61 slidably receiving and mounted on the elongatemembers or rods 81, and having a depending member or plate 62 extendinggenerally longitudinally of, between and below the rods 81. The plates62 each extend longitudinally of the rods 81 and carry below the rods anelongate mounting member or bar 63. Each of the bars 63 extendlongitudinally generally horizontally in parallelism with and beneaththe rods 81, being transversely inclined in general parallelism with therods, and being in end-to-end spaced aligned relation with respect toeach other, see FIG. 17. Thus, the blade supporting and cleaningassemblies 60 are each horizontally shiftable along the rods or ways 81;and further, are connected for simultaneous shifting movement, as by alink 64 having its opposite ends pivotally connected to respectiveplates 62 at upstanding lugs 72 of the plates.

Operatively associated with the blade supporting and cleaning assemblies60 is an assembly shifting or motive means 73, which may advantageouslyassume the form of a fluid cylinder 74 having one end connected, as bysuitable connection means 82 to one of the end plates '79. A piston rod83 extends telescopically from the other end of cylinder 74 remote fromconnection 82, and is connected to the adjacent plate 62, as to theassociated lug 72 of the adjacent plate. Thus, by suitable fluidcontrol, the motive cylinder 73 may be caused to shift the assemblies 60in a desired manner, as will ap' pear more fully hereinafter.

Carried at spaced locations along each bar 63., being fixed thereto byany suitable securing means, are mounting members or brackets 102.Attached to each mounting member or bracket 102,. as by fasteners 110,is an elongate blade rest arm or wiper 111 extending obliquelydownwardly and rearwardly, or upstream of the conveyor 23, having itsdistal end region 112 free and adjustably connected to the remainder ofthe arm 111, as by suitable fastener means 103. The distal end parts 112of wiper-rest 1 11 is formed, see FIGS. 19 and 20, with an end slot 113which opens laterally through opposite sides of the part 112 and isconfigured for slidably, conformably receiving the blade 105, with thelatter extending completely through and beyond opposite sides of thepart 112. Further, the slot 113 may be considered as internally hollowor concave, being formed with a smoothly arcuate concavity 104 extendingendwise into the part 112, being spaced between opposite sides thereofand opening through the upstream end of the part. In practice, thewiper-rest 111 is shiftable laterally (longitudinally of the receivedblade 105) to effectively wipe any dough accumulation or the like fromthe blade to keep the latter clean, while supporting the blade for itsshearing movement, as will appear more fully hereinafter. The endopening internal hollow or cavity 104 has proved advantageous inmaintaining sharpness of the blade scraping action effected by wiperparts 112, while affording an opening for exit of dough, and the like,from the slot 113.

The downstream or right-hand fastener 110 as seen in FIG. 18 may supportthe member 111 for limited swinging movement about the latter fastener,while the upstream fastener 110 may be loosely received in the member111 to permit limited swinging of the latter about the downstreamfastener. This loose fit of upstream fastener 110 is shown in detail inFIG. 23. It is also there seen that a generally U-shaped member or yoke107 is carried by the upstream fastener 110 and mounting bracket 102,having its opposite end portions on the upper and lower sides,respectively of the member 111. A coil compression spring 108 isinterposed between the lower end region of yoke 107 and the underside ofmember 111 to urge the latter upwardly, while a stop member 109, such asa limit screw, is engaged threadedly through the upper end region of theyoke 107 into endwise abutting engagement with the upper side of member111 to limit upward movement of the latter. By this means the rest-wipermember 111 is angularly adjustable to properly locate the blade 105 inits maximum effectiveness with respect to the guide 29. That is, theblade 105 is advantageously moved in edgewise shearing engagement acrossthe face of die 29.

Also, as best seen in FIG. 18, the die 29 is provided with a pluralityof slots or grooves 84 formed in the outer die face 36 extendingentirely thereacross in the upstream-downstream direction of conveyormovement. The grooves or recesses 84 are thus open-ended, and eachadapted to receive the free end region of a respective wiper-rest member111 while the blade 105 moves in its shearing engagement with theadjacent die face regions. As best seen in FIG. 3, the grooves orrecesses 84 may be each located between an adjacent pair of extrusionopenings 31. However, this is not critical. It is, however, essentialthat the shifting movement of the blade supporting and cleaningassemblies 60, and consequently of the wiper-rests 111, as effected bythe motive means 73, have a stroke equal to or a multiple of the spacingbetween recesses 841. For example, see FIGS. 21 and 22, the formerillustrating one position of wiper rests 1 11 each in a respectivegroove 84, and the latter illustrating a laterally shifted position ofthe wiper-rests 111 each proximate to the next adjacent recess 84 forreceipt by the latter.

By means of the rest-wipers ll 11, and particularly the end regions 112having slots 1133, the blade 105 is effectively supported throughout itslength, while being scraped or wiped clean of any dough or othermaterial, as will appear more fully hereinafter.

Also mounted on the fixed bridging structure 65, generally medially ofthe beam 68, may be a bracket 115 carrying a pair of laterally spacedupstanding pedestal bearings or journals 116. The journal bearings 116are in alignment with each other laterally of the conveyor 23, androtatably support therebetween an actuating device 117, which may be acylinder and piston, or other suitable actuating means. The actuatingdevice 117 may include an actuator rod 118 extending obliquelydownwardly and rearwardly, and pivotally connected, as by a pin 119, toclamping blocks 120 and 121 which are rigidly clamped to the elongatemembers 81. Thus, upon energization of the actuating means 117, the rod118 is shifted longitudinally, as in the direction of arrow 122, toeffect back and forth shifting movement of the carrier 78 and itsassociated structure, including the cutting member or blade 105.

In addition, there is at least one actuating device 125 associated withat least one arm 71, and may comprise a cylinder and piston extendingbetween and pivotally connected to a standard 67, as by a pin 126, andthe adjacent arm 71, as by a pin 127. While any suitable actuating means125 may be employed, operation of the actuating means serves to effectrotary shifting movement of the arms 71 and associated carrier means 78about the axes of the arms. This rotative shifting of the arms 71effects movement of the cutter or blade 105 toward and away from theextrusion die 29, as will appear presently. Also, suitable stop meansmay be employed to limit rotative shafting movement of the arms 71 andcarrier means 78, such as an adjustable abutment 128, say in the form ofa threaded member engaged threadedly through a bracket 129 mounted onthe extruder 21. The abutment member 28 is selectively positionable forabutting engagement, as with a wear pad 130 on the upper distal endregion of the arm 71 to limit upward movement of the arm and consequentmovement of the cutter blade 105 toward the die 29. The double endedarrow 131 in FIG. 4 illustrates the rotative shifting movement of thearms 71 and carrier means 78.

OPERATION Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 710, in FIG. 7 itwill be seen that the blade 105 is located beneath and adjacent to theupper region of the outer face of die 29. More specifically, the bladehas its lower edge in engagement with the outer face of the die 29, andis disposed at an acute angle with respect thereto, approximating 15degrees, as shown in FIG. 13. Upon energization of actuating means 117,the carrier means 78 is shifted downwardly and rearwardly to move theblade 105 along and in shearing relation with the die surface 36 to theposition shown in FIG. 8. From this position, the actuating means 125 isenergized to shift the arms 71 and carrier means 78 downwardly away fromthe die 29, in the direction of arrow 160. The actuating means 117 isagain energized, but in the reverse direction to shift the carrier means78 upwardly, as in the direction of arrow 161 in FIG. 10, andsubsequently the actuating means 125 is again energized to return thecarrier means 78 to its position of FIG. 7, as in the direction of arrow1652. Of course, the actuating means 117 and 125 are sequentiallyenergized in the manner described by any suitable timing means (notshown).

In FIG. 13 is illustrated the cutting member or blade 105 in anoperative position of movement intermediate the positions of FIGS. 7 and8. More specifically, the cutter or blade 105 effects severance of alength or slice of dough, as at 163, upon its downward movement insevering relation with respect to the outer face 36 of the extrusion die29. By the afore-mentioned angle or approximately 15 degrees between theblade 105 and die face 36, relief is afforded on the underside of theblade so as not to obstruct continued extrusion of material through thedie during the severance. Further, by the oblique angle of the die 29relative to the conveyor 23, and the downward cutting action of theblade 105 along the oblique face 36, it will be apparent, see FIG. 13,that the severed piece 163, at the instant of full severance, isdisposed substantially horizontally or parallel to and over the conveyor23, as at 163a. Hence, upon continued gravitational falling of thesevered piece 128a it will land substantially flat on the conveyor, asat l63b for movement therealong in its properly configured relation.

In addition, the aforedescribed operative action of the blade cleaningassemblies 60, as illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, effects repeatedwiping of the entire cutting region of the blade 105, as the rest-wipermembers 11 1 combine to wipe the entire cutting region of the blade,each moving at least one intergroove 84 distance. This lateralreciprocation by the blade cleaning assemblies 60 is effected by theoperator cylinder 73 and may occur in timed relation with respect to thesteps discussed above in connection with FIGS. 7-141. For example, aleftward shifting of the wiper-rests 111, as indicated by the arrows inFIG. 22, may occur during one retraction shown in FIG. 10, and arightward return shift may occur during the next retraction as shown inFIG. 10. Other suitable synchronized motions may be effected, forexample a complete leftward and rightward cycle of shifting may occurduring the retraction step of FIG. 10, or otherwise, as desired.

MODIFICATION Referring now to the embodiment of FIGS. 2548, it will beseen that a fixed structure is there generally designated 65b, includinga pair of laterally spaced standards 67b and a laterally extendingbridging member or beam 68b, all corresponding to the first describedembodiment. Also, the embodiment of FIGS. -28 includes a pair oflaterally spaced pivotally mounted arms 71b, each having alongitudinally extending guideway or rod 75b carried on its laterallyinner side, also substantially identical to the first describedembodiment.

A carrier means 78b may include a pair of laterally spaced, facingplates 79b, each slidably mounted on a respective guide rod 75b andrigidly connected together by laterally extending elongate members 81b.The carrier means 78b is thus movable with the arms 71b about thepivotal axis of the arms, and also slidable longitudinally of the armsalong the guides 75b.

The plates 79b may be essentially identical to the plates 79, eachhaving a centrally bored boss 85b. However, the anchor member 87 andbushing 91 of the first described embodiment, and the elements attachedthereto, are omitted. In place thereof, a somewhat U- shaped bracket 157is located laterally outwardly of one arm 71b, the left arm as seen inFIG. 17, having upper and lower legs 131 and 132 extending laterallyinwardly, respectively spaced above and below the adjacent arm andsuitably fixedly secured to the adjacent plate 79b, as by fasteners 133and 134, and an adapter block 135. On the laterally outer end of thebracket 157, there is rotatably mounted a pulley, wheel or sheave 136,say for rotation about a shaft 137 extending generally parallel to theaxis of guide rod 75b. Keyed to the pulley shaft 137 is a sprocket wheel138, and an actuator 139 may be mounted on the bracket 130, say a pistonand cylinder type actuator being pivotally mounted on the bracket by anupstanding lug M0, and having an oscillatory arm or rod 141 providedwith a pawl or tooth 142 for engagement with the ratchet wheel 138. Thatis, upon successive reciprocations of the arms 141, the ratchet wheel138 is rotated in stepped relation about the shaft 137, to rotate thepulley 136. A coil spring 143 may maintain the pawl 142 in engagementwith the ratchet wheel 138 for mov ing the latter in one direction andto ride over the ratchet wheel teeth upon pawl movement in the otherdirection.

Carried by the other carrier means plate 79b, the right hand plate inFIG. 26, is a similar generally U- shaped bracket M5 located outwardlyof the adjacent arm 71b, and having its legs extending laterallyinwardly respectively above and beneath the adjacent arm, as at 1 16 and147. The inner ends of bracket arms 146 and 147 are fixedly secured tothe adjacent carrier means plate 79b, as by upper and lower fastenersI48 and 149, and an adapter block 150. In an outward region of thebracket 145 there is slidably mounted a journal block 151 journaling ashaft 152 generally parallel to pulley shaft 137, the block beingresiliently urged outwardly by a coil compression spring 153. A wheel,pulley or shieve 154 is carried by the shaft 152, and an endless cuttingband 15b is trained about the pulleys 13b and 15 1, the lower run of thecutting band, as at 155 extending through the bores of bosses b. Locatedin one boss 85b there may be provided a blade wiper 15b in wipingengagement with the blade b.

The operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 25-28 may be substantially thesame as that described hereinbefore in connection with the firstmentioned embodiment. However, in addition, the cutting band or blade105i: is rotated about its endless path to successively expose differentportions of the blade for severing engagement with the die. That is, theactuating means 139 is operated in timed relation with respect to theremain ing actuating means, to step the cutting band 1115b in theinterval between each severance stroke of the carrier means. Thisintermittent repeated band movement serves to continually wipe the handthrough the wiping means 156 and maintain the band in proper cuttingcondition for long continuous periods of use.

The acute angle of the cutting blade with respect to the die face ispreferably maintained in the modified embodiment, and may be readilyachieved by disposing the parallel pulley shafts I37 and 152 at thedesired angle with respect to the guide rods 75b. Alternatively, thebladesupport or rest members 106 may serve to slightly flex the lowerblade run 10.5b to achieve the desired angular relationship with respectto the die surface.

From the foregoing, it is seen that the present invention provides anextrusion machine for pretzels and the like which fully accomplishes itsintended objects and is otherwise well adapted to meet practicalconditions of manufacture, maintenance and use.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by wayof illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, itis understood that certain changes and modifications may be made withinthe spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An extrusion machine for pretzels and the like, said machinecomprising dough feeding means having an outlet, an extrusion die inclosing relation with said outlet and having a specifically configuredopening for passing a length of dough having a crosssection conformingto said opening, a cut-off mechanism mounted for back and forth movementacross said die for severing said dough into slices, and a removalconveyor mounted beneath said die for receiving and removing saidslices, said cut-off means comprising a knife blade movable edgewise forengagement with said die and across said die opening in shearingrelation with dough being extruded, blade cleaner means slidablyreceiving said blade for wiping engagement therewith, and motive meansfor said blade cleaning means, said motive means comprising a carriagemounted for movement with said blade and reciprocation relative theretolongitudinally therealong for effecting said wiping engagement, said diehaving recesses receiving said blade cleaning means when said blade isengaging said die.

2. An extrusion machine for pretzels and the like, said machinecomprising dough feeding means having an outlet, an extrusion die inclosing relation with said outlet and having a specifically configuredopening for passing a length of dough having a cross-section conformingto said opening, a cut-off mechanism mounted for back-and-forth movementacross said die for severing said dough into slices, and a removalconveyor mounted beneath said die for receiving and removing saidslices, said cut-off means comprising a knife blade movable edgewise forengagement with said die and across said die opening in shearingrelation with dough being extruded, blade cleaner means slidablyreceiving said blade for wiping engagement therewith, and motive meansfor said blade cleaner means, said motive means comprising a carriagemounted for movement with said blade and reciprocation relative theretolongitudinally therealong for effecting said wiping engagement, and saiddie having recesses receiving said blade cleaning means when said bladeis engaging said die, said blade cleaning means comprising an elongatewiper having a laterally opening end slot conformably receiving saidblade and reciprocable therealong in wiping engagement therewith, saidslot having a hollow interior configuration opening endwise fromsaidwiper for egress of wiped material from said slot.

3. An extruding machine according to claim 2, said hollow interiorconfiguration combining with the exterior of said wiper to define ascraping edge for more effective wiping action.

4. An extruding machine according to claim 1, said blade cleaning meanscomprising an elongate wiper having a laterally opening endslotconformably receiving said blade and reciprocable longitudinallytherealong in wiping engagement therewith, and resilient means biasingsaid cleaning means against said blade into said wiping engagement, thecleaning means biasing said blade toward said die into said shearingrelation.

5. An extruding machine according to claim 4, said blade cleaning meanscomprising a plurality of generally parallel spaced wipers each movablein wiping engagement with a length of said blade at least equal to thespace between wipers.

6. An extrusion machine according to claim 2, said blade cleaning meanscomprising resilient means biasing said cleaning means against saidblade into said wiping engagement, the cleaning means biasing said bladetoward said die into said shearing relation.

7. An extrusion machine according to claim 2, in combination withcarrier means carrying said knife blade at an acute angle with respectto said die for simultaneous shearing and displacement of dough awayfrom said die.

8. An extrusion machine according to claim 2, said cut-off mechanismcomprising a fixed structure over said conveyor, arm means carried bysaid fixed structure for shifting movement toward and away from saiddie, carrier means mounted on said arm means for movement therewith andmovement thereon along said die, said blade being carried by saidcarrier means for movement with said arm means from a first positionspaced from said die toward the latter, then with said carrier meansalong and in shearing relation with respect to said die, then with saidarm means away from said die, and then with said carrier means forreturn to said first position.

1. An extrusion machine for pretzels and the like, said machinecomprising dough feeding means having an outlet, an extrusion die inclosing relation with said outlet and having a specifically configuredopening for passing a length of dough having a crosssection conformingto said opening, a cut-off mechanism mounted for back and forth movementacross said die for severing said dough into slices, and a removalconveyor mounted beneath said die for receiving and removing saidslices, said cut-off means comprising a knife blade movable edgewise forengagement with said die and across said die opening in shearingrelation with dough being extruded, blade cleaner means slidablyreceiving said blade for wiping engagement therewith, and motive meansfor said blade cleaning means, said motivE means comprising a carriagemounted for movement with said blade and reciprocation relative theretolongitudinally therealong for effecting said wiping engagement, said diehaving recesses receiving said blade cleaning means when said blade isengaging said die.
 2. An extrusion machine for pretzels and the like,said machine comprising dough feeding means having an outlet, anextrusion die in closing relation with said outlet and having aspecifically configured opening for passing a length of dough having across-section conforming to said opening, a cut-off mechanism mountedfor back-and-forth movement across said die for severing said dough intoslices, and a removal conveyor mounted beneath said die for receivingand removing said slices, said cut-off means comprising a knife blademovable edgewise for engagement with said die and across said dieopening in shearing relation with dough being extruded, blade cleanermeans slidably receiving said blade for wiping engagement therewith, andmotive means for said blade cleaner means, said motive means comprisinga carriage mounted for movement with said blade and reciprocationrelative thereto longitudinally therealong for effecting said wipingengagement, and said die having recesses receiving said blade cleaningmeans when said blade is engaging said die, said blade cleaning meanscomprising an elongate wiper having a laterally opening end slotconformably receiving said blade and reciprocable therealong in wipingengagement therewith, said slot having a hollow interior configurationopening endwise from said wiper for egress of wiped material from saidslot.
 3. An extruding machine according to claim 2, said hollow interiorconfiguration combining with the exterior of said wiper to define ascraping edge for more effective wiping action.
 4. An extruding machineaccording to claim 1, said blade cleaning means comprising an elongatewiper having a laterally opening endslot conformably receiving saidblade and reciprocable longitudinally therealong in wiping engagementtherewith, and resilient means biasing said cleaning means against saidblade into said wiping engagement, the cleaning means biasing said bladetoward said die into said shearing relation.
 5. An extruding machineaccording to claim 4, said blade cleaning means comprising a pluralityof generally parallel spaced wipers each movable in wiping engagementwith a length of said blade at least equal to the space between wipers.6. An extrusion machine according to claim 2, said blade cleaning meanscomprising resilient means biasing said cleaning means against saidblade into said wiping engagement, the cleaning means biasing said bladetoward said die into said shearing relation.
 7. An extrusion machineaccording to claim 2, in combination with carrier means carrying saidknife blade at an acute angle with respect to said die for simultaneousshearing and displacement of dough away from said die.
 8. An extrusionmachine according to claim 2, said cut-off mechanism comprising a fixedstructure over said conveyor, arm means carried by said fixed structurefor shifting movement toward and away from said die, carrier meansmounted on said arm means for movement therewith and movement thereonalong said die, said blade being carried by said carrier means formovement with said arm means from a first position spaced from said dietoward the latter, then with said carrier means along and in shearingrelation with respect to said die, then with said arm means away fromsaid die, and then with said carrier means for return to said firstposition.